Dosage Element Lid Barrier for Gas Venting and Component Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of manufacturing dosage elements for ware washing machines that incorporate multiple active components poses challenges in isolating each component and providing a compact, cost-effective package, while also addressing consumer concerns about handling detergents and minimizing exposure to active ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a dosage element involving a main container part and a lid-forming part, where the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part, providing a barrier and venting mechanism to ensure safe and efficient release of gases and products during the washing cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active components are incorporated into a single dosage element, then the dosage element provides comprehensive cleaning functionality, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need to isolate each component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple active components (detergent powder, gel, and tablet) into a single integrated dosage element. The container holds detergent powder while a gel layer and tablet are positioned on the lid, creating one unified product that delivers comprehensive cleaning functionality without requiring separate dispensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosage element is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main container holding detergent powder, the gel layer adhered to the lid's underside, and the tablet positioned on top. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled into a complete dosage element, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple active components are isolated from each other, then component compatibility is maintained, but the dosage element size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical dimensionality to arrange components. The detergent powder occupies the main container volume, while the gel and tablet are positioned on the lid's underside and top surface respectively. This three-dimensional arrangement maintains component isolation for compatibility while keeping the overall dosage element compact and space-efficient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier is provided between consumer and active ingredients, then consumer safety is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the lid itself as a barrier between the consumer and active ingredients. The lid-forming part acts as a protective cover that seals the detergent powder and contains the gel and tablet, preventing direct consumer exposure while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integration with the existing dosage element structure.
4Reliability
If gases are vented during washing cycle, then pressure buildup is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure serves dual functions: it acts as a barrier protecting active ingredients while simultaneously providing gas venting capability. The lid's design allows gases generated during the washing cycle to escape naturally without requiring separate complex venting mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring pressure control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and enhances consumer safety by creating a compact, user-friendly dosage element that ensures complete dissolution and safe release of components within the washing machine, minimizing exposure risks.
Implementation Method 1
the coating or encasing of individual active components of the compound tablet within a water soluble polymer or gel of given properties/thickness to provide a time delayed and/or temperature dependent exposure to the component
Implementation Method 2
adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element
Data Source
AI summary
Dosage elements to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine are made by (a) forming a main container part within a cavity of a mold; (b) providing the main container part with a first substance; (c) adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element; and (d) sealing the lid-forming part to the main container part so as to close the main container part and enclose the first and second substances within it; wherein the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part.